Photographic apparatus

ABSTRACT

Photographic apparatus for use with film units of the selfprocessing type, and including a mechanism for folding one section of such a film unit relative to other sections thereof after processing of the film unit has been initiated. The foldable section preferably includes a structure for supplying a processing fluid (e.g. a pod), and that section is folded by the apparatus to a position behind the final print for disposing of the supply structure after it has served its primary function, but without requiring removal of the structure from the final print.

United States Patent [1 1 Harvey [73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company,

Rochester, NY.

221 Filed: Sept. 7, 1971 21 App1.No.:177,934

[52'] US. Cl. 95/13, 95/11 R [51] Int. (31. G03b 17/52 [58] Field ofSearch 95/11, 13, 19, 22, 95/89; 96/76 [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 7 2,463,878 3/1949 Johnson 95/20 X 2,525,720 10/1950Pinkham 95/22 3,521,541 7/1970 Schmidt et a1 95/13 3,653,308 4/1972Erlichman..... 95/19 2,477,304 7/1949 Land 95/13 3,659,511 5/1972 Nerwin95/13 3,152,529 10/1964 Erlichman 95/19 X Oct. 9, 1973 3/1913 Hopkins95/22 12/1965 Friedman et a1 Primary ExaminerSamuel S. MatthewsAssistant Examiner-Alan Mathews Attorney-W. H. J. Kline et al.

[5 7] ABSTRACT 7 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PAIENIEnnm' 9191s SHEET 10F5 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

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ATTORNEYS PAIENIEU um 9191a SHEET 2 OF S DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTED BET 91975 SHEET 3 [IF 5 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTED 9 3. 763 .753

SHEET b 0F 5 I65 77 Q25/1? FIG. 6

I69 85 I65 77 DONALD M. HARVEY loo I21 23 5 37 .INVENTOR.

A, BYW 99 2 J\I69 Z 27/ FIG. I I

A TTOR NE YS PATENTEDBBT Bum SHEET 5 [IF 5 INVENTOR.

I76 DONALD M. HARVEY 8! FIG. I5

ATTORNEYS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSReference is made to my copending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No.178,048, entitled FILM UNIT, filed on even date herewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates tophotographic apparatus for use with film units of the self-processingtype.

Self-processing film units and processing photographic apparatus offerseveral well-known advantages over conventional film and apparatus.Still, how'- ever, they suffer from persistant disadvantages, many ofwhich are associated with ecology, consumer convenience, and relatedmatters, that have become especially significant with increasing publicattention.

By way of example only, considerable resources have been expended inattempts to provide an improved means for handling certain materials,such as the containers or pods and collectors or traps, that serve theirprimary function during processing and essentially comprise waste afterthat processing function is accomplished. Resulting possible approacheshave ranged from reliance on the consumer for the proper separation anddisposal of such materials to the provision of camera mechanisms fortheir automatic separation and collection. However, while each of theseapproaches has particular advantage, and generally is satisfactory, eachalso suffers from certain disadvantages, at least under certainoperating conditions. Reliance on the consumer to dispose of the wastepermits camera simplification and reduced costs, but usually has notbeen considered reliable in obtaining proper waste disposal. Separationand collection of the waste material by the camera can be nearly 100percent reliable, but requires more complex and expensive cameramechanisms, as well as increased size and bulkiness of the camera.Additionally, in almost all of the presently knwon film units wherewaste materials are intended to be separated from the final point, thereis an added danger that processing fluid can escape from the wastematerials or the print itself. This problem can be particularlytroublesome becuase of the nature of the fluid, which can be caustic, orotherwise objectionable in certain environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is toprovide improved photographic apparatus for handling self-processingfilm units.

Another object of the invention is to provide photographic apparatusincluding improved means for handling fluid supply and/r collectingsections of selfprocessing film units after processing of the units hasbeen initiated.

A further object of the invention is to provide a processing camera foruse with self-processing film units of the type including permanentlyattached reservoir means, such as fluid supply and/or collectingsections, wherein the apparatus includes means for handling thereservoir means after processing has been initiated, to improve theappearance and other properties of the final print.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide photographic apparatusfor use with self-processing film units, wherein the units are handledin the apparatus in a manner that substantially eliminates thepossibility of processing fluid escape from the film unit or any of itsparts.

Another object of the invention is to provide photographic apparatus foruse with preregistered, integral film units, wherein the units have animage-recording portion with supply and collecting mechanisms forprocessing fluid permanently attached to leading and trailing endsthereof, respectively, and wherein the supply mechanism is foldable bythe apparatus after processing has been initiated to a position engagingone side of the image-recording portion.

Still another object of the invention is to provide photographicapparatus for use with film units of the selfprocessing type, wherein asubstantially flat element of the film unit is movable automatically bythe apparatus into engagement with one side of the image-recordingportion, after processing has been initiated.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved controlmechanism for a processing photographic camera.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, aprocessing photographic camera is provided with an improved mechanismfor handling self-processing film units. In accordance with one aspectof the invention, the mechanism includes means for disposing ofprocessing waste materials of the film unit, such as a supply structurefor processing fluid, without removing the materials from the film unit.Such disposal is effected, after processing of the film unit has beeninitiated, by folding the'waste materials relative to the rest of thefilm unit to a position where the materials will not be visible whenviewing the final print. In accordance with another aspect of theinvention, the handling mechanism includes improved means forautomatically controlling cyclical operation of the mechanism.

The invention, and its objects and advantages, will become more apparentin the detailed description of the preferred embodiment presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects andadvantages of the present invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description read inconjunction with the attached drawings, wherein like reference numeralsindicate like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of photographic apparatus in accordance withthe present invention, with parts broken away to illustrate a film unitrepresenting an assemblage of such film units receivable in theapparatus.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of a self-processing film units usable withthe apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating the film unit with aprocessing-fluid supply section in a folded position similar to that itmight assume when supplied to the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the film unit depicted in FIG. 2,illustrating various components of that film unit and their assembledarrangement.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are pictorial views of the film unit depicted in FIG. 2,illustrating the supply section in ex tended and folded-over positionsassumed during various stages in the handling of the film unit by thephotographic apparatus of FIG. ll.

FIGS. 6-11 are schematic views depicting various parts of thephotographic apparatus of FIG. 1, schematically illustrating itsoperation with the film unit of FIGS. 2-5.

FIGS. 12-16 are pictorial and somewhat schematic views of the film unithandling and control mechanism in accordance with the present invention,illustrating its operation with the film unit depicted in FIGS. 2-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to thedrawings, and first to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention comprises photographic apparatus, such as the processingcamera 3, for sequentially exposing and initiating the processing of aplurality of self-processing film units. The film units are supplied inan assemblage thereof, and each includes an image-recording section 7,for recording a processable latent image, a supply section 9, f0applying a processing or activating fluid to the image-recordingsection, and means for permanently but movably attaching theimage-recordingsection to the fluid supply section. After exposure, eachfilm unit is transported from the apparatus to initiate its processing,and, as depicted in phantom in FIG. 1, the fluid supply section isfolded by the apparatus to a position engaging one face of theimage-recording section where it will not be visible when viewing thefinal print.

PREFERRED FILM UNIT While the present invention is not limited to usewith any particular film unit, it is best understood when described inconnection with a preferred film unit illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. Thatfilm unit comprises the image-recording section 7 and reservoir means,including a fluid collecting structure 10 as well as the fluid supplysection 9, for accommodating the processing fluid.

The image-recording section or portion is adapted to record a latentimage that is processable by the processing fluid, and for this purposeis provided with a first or photosensitive element 21, that is suitablefor supporting the latent image, and a second element or process sheet23, for aiding in distributing the fluid over the photosensitiveelement. The fluid accommodating means, on the other hand, provides thefluid for distribution, usually with some excess, and receives any suchexcess for storage or disposal after the distribution is completed.Thus, it should be apparent that the film unit includes all materialsnecessary for recording and processing a photographic image, when usedin the apparatus depicted in FIG. I.

The preferred image-recording section is of the preregistered, integraltype, wherein the process sheet 23 is permanently secured to thephotosensitive element 21 along lateral edges 26 and remains insubstantially the same physical arrangement during exposure and afterprocessing.

The photosensitive element 21 is defined by resiliently flexiblematerials and includes one or more radiation-sensitive layers forrecording the latent image, as well as a mordant, or other appropriatelayer, for receiving a visibly presentable image that is establishedduring processing of the latent image. Since this element serves tosupport both the latent image and the visibly presentable image, it canbe referred to as an integral negative receiver.

The process sheet 23 also is defined by resiliently flexible materials,and cooperates with the photosensitive element to provide a flatrectangular unit having straight edges and square corners, as well asother properties facilitating its handling in photographic apparatus.While the lateral edges of the sheet are permanently secured to thephotosensitive element, as previously mentioned, the central portionsare resiliently separable to permit distribution of the processingfluid, and the ends are free to permit introduction of the fluid betweenthe element and sheet at the leading end and collection of any excessfrom therebetween at the trailing end.

Further details of the photosensitive element and process sheet aredescribed and illustrated in commonly assigned US. Pat. applicationsSer. No. 869,186, entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSTIONTRANSFER PROCESSING filed Oct. 24, 1969 in the name of Harold E. Coleand now abandoned; Ser. No. 43,322 entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT,filed June 4, I970 in the name of Harold E. Cole and now issued as USPat. No. 3,672,272; and US. Pat. Ser. No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT,filed Sept. 9, 1970 in the name of Hubert Nerwin and now abandoned.

The preferred image-recording section is adapted to be exposed andviewed from opposite sides, the imagereceiving or mordant layer beinglocated where it is visible (in the case of a reflection print) from afirst side or face 27 (FIG. 5), the radiation-sensitive layers beingexposable from the opposite side or face 29 (FIGS. 2 and 4). Suchviewing and exposure can be permitted by using transparent materials,both as a support for the image-receiving or mordant layer and as theprocess sheet, to define substantially clear protective coverings onboth sides of the recording section.

The preferred fluid accommodating means includes the supply section 9for discharging the processing fluid between the photosensitive elementand process sheet at the leading end of the unit, and the collectingstructure 10 for receiving any excess of the fluid from therebetween atthe trailing end.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the supply section encompasses three basicparts comprising a container or pod 33 of the processing fluid, a funnelor conduit 35 for directing the processing fluid from the container tothe leading end of the image-recording portion between thephotosensitive element and process sheet, and a support or carrier 37that also is adapted to serve as a covering element in amanner to bedescribed hereinafter. The container 33 is sealed around its peripheryto provide a cavity for the processing fluid, but is adapted to releasethat fluid from one edge 39 (FIG. 3) upon the application to thecontainer of a mechanical stress by juxtaposed pressure-applying membersin related photographic apparatus such as the camera 3 depicted in FIG.1.

Funnel or conduit 35 is defined by a flexible plastic envelope, andincludes first separable edges 45 that receive the rupturable edge 39 ofthe container therebetween, as well as second contacting edges 46 thatare inserted between the separable leading ends of the photosensitiveelement and process sheet. The funnel is particularly well adapted fordirecting processing fluid discharged from the container to a locationat the leading end of the image-recording portion with little or nopossibility of leakage. Other features of the funnel are The previouslymentioned container 33 and funnel' 35 are permanently attached to oneside of the carrier, and this side preferably is treated with a suitablematerial for facilitating such attachment, as well as for protecting thecarrier from any of the processing fluid. The side of the carrieropposite from the container, on the other hand, provides a surface thatis suitable for receiving ink or other writing materials to facilitateprint identification.

The fluid collecting structure or trap is permanently attached to thetrailing end of the imagerecording section, where it is adapted toreceive and retain any excess of the processing composition from betweenthe photosensitive element and process sheet. It is preferably that thecollecting structure be very compact, relatively stiff, and pleasant inexternal appearance, so it will not substantially increase the border atthe trailing end of the final print or otherwise detract from itsaesthetic appearance. For these reasons, it has been illustrated ascomprising an internal bag or bladder of flexible plastic 49 covered bya relatively stiff white cardboard cover 51. The bladder insuresconfinement without leakage of any processing fluid received therein,while the cover improves its appearance and prevents crushing of thebladder during handling of the film unit. For purposes to be describedmore fully hereinafter, the cover also can be provided with cut-outs 53for cooperating with camera restraining means.

The supply and collecting structures are coupled to the image-recrodingsection by suitable adhesives, or the like, that are selected andapplied to cooperate with the sealed lateral edges of theimage-recording section for providing a completely closed system, bothduring and after processing, that essentially eliminates any significantlikelihood that deleterious components of the processing fluid willescape therefrom. This is not meant, however, to preclude any desirableescape from the system of water or other possible neutral components ofthe fluid Referring now very generally to the operation of the filmunit, it is intended to be suppliedin the configuration illustrated inFIG. 2, with the supply mechanism 9 disposed adjacent to the firstsurface 27 of the imagerecording section, but with the leading end 51 ofcarrier 37 extending slightly beyond the leading end of theimage-recording section, where it can be engaged by the cameramechanisms. The funnel is folded between the carrier 37 and the firstsurface 27 of the imagerecording section and extends from the container33 to the leading end of the image-recording section. After exposure ofthe photosensitive element, the carrier 37 is moved longitudinally ofthe film unit in the direction of arrow 54 (FIG. 2), to and betweenjuxtaposed pressure-applying members, for discharging the processingfluid from the container and into the funnel, at the same time thefunnel is unfolded or extended to the position illustrated in FIG. 4.Further movement of the film unit through the pressure-applying membersthen drives the processing fluid through the funnel 35, and distributesthe fluid between the photo-sensitive element and process sheet, withany excess being directed into the collecting structure. As described inthe previously mentioned US. Pat. application Ser. No. 869,186, theprocessing fluid preferably includes an opacifier, that cooperates withan opaque layer in the photosensitive element, to permit immediatewithdrawal of the film unit from the camera where processing iscompleted. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the supply section ismovable, after processing has been initiated, from the extended positionillustrated in FIG. 4 to a folded position engaging the back or secondsurface 29 of the image-recording section, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Proper folding of the supply section at the juncture between the funneland the image-recording section can be further insured by usingcohesives between the carrier and funnel to adhere the same together inthe extended position illustrated in FIG. 4. Similarly, cohesives can beused to hold the film unit in its final configuration illustrated inFIG. 5.

Still further features and advantages of such film units are illustratedand described in my US. Pat. applications Ser. Nos. 178,048, entitledFILM UNIT, and

178,045, entitled FILM UNIT, both filed on even date herewith, theformer still pending, the latter now abandoned.

PI'IOTOGRAPI-IIC APPARATUS Referring now more specifically to thepresent invention, and again to FIG. ll, the apparatus 3 is illustratedas a processing camera including a housing 71, a film transportingmechanism 73, a processing mechanism 75, a film handling or foldingmechanism 77, a driving mechanism 79 and a control or coordinatingmechanism 81 The housing supports the above-noted mechanisms and isadapted to receive a plurality of the film units with the forwardmostunit in a film plane or position for exposure behind the cameraobjective 32.

The film transporting mechanism includes first and second translatingmeans 83 and 35, shown in FIGS. 6 8, for effecting initial and thenfurther movement of the film unit from its exposure position to thecamera exterior. The first translating means comprises two similarpickers or slidable elements 87 located adjacent to the leading end ofthe film unit near the lateral edges thereof. Each element 37 issupported in the apparatus for longitudinal reciprocation and forrotation by a housing pin 89 received in an elongated slot 91 of theelement. The picker element is resiliently and lightly urged in aclockwise direction into engagement with the forwardmost film unit by aspring 93 (FIG. l), and includes a pointed end or finger 95 forenteringan aperture 97 at the leading end of the fluid supply carrier 37(FIG. 2). The second transporting means includes juxtaposedpressure-applying rollers 99 and 100, shown in FIGS. 6-8, that aredriven in a manner to be described hereinafter, and that define a niptherebetween for frictionally engaging and driving the film unit fromthe apparatus. One or both of the pressure rollers are rotated at a ratefor moving the film unit somewhat faster than the movement effected bythe picker finger 95, so the film unit will be drawn against an angularsurface 98 of the finger to pivot the same in a counterclockwisedirection and to release the first translating means from its drivingengagement with the carrier.

Additional compactness of the camera can be realized by providing thepressure rollers with slots 101 (FIG. 12) aligned with and for receivingthe fingers 95 of the first translating means at the end of theirforward travel. Similarly, th slots permit more positive initialmovement of the film unit into the bite of the pressure rollers.

The pressure rollers 99 and 100 also serve as the processing mechanismwhich ruptures the container of processing fluid and distributes thefluid between the photosensitive element and process sheet. One or bothof the pressure members preferably are of the stepped type and includeraised shoulder portions or rims 102 that are adapted to ride on thelateral edges of the film unit to establish a proper thickness of theprocessing fluid distributed between the photosensitive element andprocess sheet.

The handling or folding mechanism is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1and 12, and includes a bail or cross bar 121 pivotally mounted on thehousing at 123 by linkages 125. The linkages'support the bail on theopposite side of, and spaced from, the processing mechanism for movementbetween a first rest position, below the film exit path, and a secondfolding position above the exit path. Such movement is effected by aresilient coupling 127 between the bail and the control mechanism, to bedescribed more fully hereinafter, and is timed for moving the bail intoengagement with the fluid-supply carrier 37 of the film unit and forfolding that carrier behind the image-recording section as the film unitis transported from the apparatus. Additionally, after accomplishingsuch folding, the bail is resiliently urged back toward its firstposition by the coupling 127, for holding the folded film unit in aposition extending from the apparatus where it can be grasped andwithdrawn to obtain the final print.

The driving mechanism is of a lanyard type, and includes a pull-tape 131that normally is wound into successive convolutions on a spool 133 by acoil spring 135. A tab 137 of the tape is accessible from the exteriorof the apparatus and is adapted to be pulled to effect driving rotationof the spool. Such rotation of the spool, in turn, rotatably drives oneor both of the pressure rollers 99 and 100 through a drive shaft 139,and also drives the control mechanism, to be described hereinafter,through a spur gear 141.

The control mechanism coordiantes the various previously describedmechanism in a cyclical manner insuring a proper timing and order oftheir operational sequences. This coordination is effected by aplurality of coaxially mounted gears and cams including a main powertransmitting gear 143, that is driven by the spur gear 141, ananti-reversing gear 145 driven by the power gear 143 and cooperatingwith a pawl 146, and camming elements 147 and 149 for controllingmovement of the bail. Since the control mechanism is most easilyunderstood when considered in connection with its operation, furtherdetails will be more completely described below in connection with theoperation of the present invention.

OPERATION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS The operation of the preferredapparatus is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 6-16. Referring first toFIGS. 6 and 12, and assuming the film unit has been exposed in aconventional manner, the tab 137 of lanyard 131 is pulled outwardly fromthe apparatus to drive the various mechanisms through the drive shaft139, the spur gear 141 and the drive gear 143. While no specificcoupling has been illustrated for driving the initial film translatingmeans 83, it should be understood that any conventional coupling couldbe used, such as a pin of the picker element 87 extending intoengagement with an appropriate cam or slot in drive gear 143, forcoordinating movement of the initial film transporting means with theother mechanisms. The ratio of the spur and drive gears 141 and 143 ischosen to effect one complete revolution of the drive gear for eachcomplete pull or full extension of the lanyard. Similarly, the lanyardlength and roller diameters are chosen to transport the film unit fromits initial position on one side of the pressure rollers to a finalposition on the opposite side of the rollers with each full extension ofthe lanyard, and, therefore, also with each full revolution of the drivegear 143.

As depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pointed fingers of the initial orfirst film advancing means are pivoted in a clockwise direction andtranslated toward the pressure rollers during the initial stages of thelanyard pull. Such pivoting and translation moves the fingers intodriving engagement with the apertures 97, at the leading end of thefluid supply section 9, and then slides that leading end into the biteof the pressure rollers or second film advancing means. At the sametime, the image-recording portion of the film unit is restrained againstmovement by resilient restraining member 159, of the camera or filmcartridge, that is received in the cut-outs 53 at the trailing end ofthe film unit. Since movement of the image-recording portion 7 isrestrained, while sliding movement of the supply mechanism 9 proceeds,the flexible funnel 35 begins to unfold and moves upwardly against anabutment 161 of the camera housing that prevents premature entry of thefunnel between the pressure rollers.

As the fingers 95 of the first translating means reach their forwardlimits of travel (toward the rollers), they are received in the rollerslots 101, and positively force the leading end 51 of the supplymechanism into the bite of the rollers. Such an arrangement permitsplacement of the apertures 97 very close to the leading end of the filmunit, thus pennitting a length reduction in the camera, and the use ofmore flexible materials for the carrier 37 of the supply mechanism.

The pressure rollers of the second film translating means are rotatedcontinuously throughout the lanyard pull and continue the transportingmovement of the film unit after the fingers 95 no longer are effectivefor that purpose. A smooth transition of the transporting control, fromthe first to the second film translating means, is effected by rotatingthe rollers at a rate that advances the film unit faster than itpreviously was advanced by the fingers, and the film unit is pulledagainst the inclined surface 98 of the fingers to cam the fingers in acounterclockwise direction out of the apertures 97. Timing of thattransition cams the fingers out of the apertures while the fingers arestill moving with the film unit, to reduce the abruptness of the fingerremoval and the possibility of resulting damage to the apertures or thefilm unit.

Continued rotation of the rollers ruptures the pod or container 33, andforces the processing fluid into and through the funnel 35 to theleading end of the imagerecording portion 7. At the same time, thefunnel is unfolded to its fully extended position, illustrated in FIG.8, and preferably is permanently secured to the carrier 37 byappropriate cohesives, or the like, on the funnel and carrier. Afterreaching its fully extended position, the funnel pulls theimage-recording portion from its restrainer 159 and into the bite of thepressure rollers. The processing fluid is then distributed between thephotosensitive element and process sheet, and any excess of the fluid isdirected into the trap.

From the pressure rollers, the film unit is directed with the supplymechanism first, along an exit path to the camera exterior. The foldingbail 121 initially is located adjacent to that path on one side thereof,as depicted in FIG. 8, but is movable to the other side of the path, asdepicted in FIG. 9, for folding the supply section relative to theimage-recording portion. Such movement is effected by the resilientspring 127 (FIG. 12), and is timed to occur when the supply section isin a position to be engaged and folded by the bail.

The supply section 9 is folded approximately l35 into engagement with asloped housing wall 165, the leading end of the image-recording portionpasses beyond the bail 121 along the exit path, and then the bail isresiliently urged back toward its first position for forcing the carrier37 of the supply section against the second or exposure side of theimage-recording portion as depicted in FIG. 9. The folding bail includesraised shoulders or rims 167 that span the thickness of the edges of thecarrier and imagerecording portion to ensure their exact alignment, andcohesives preferably are used to securely adhere or laminate the carrierto the image-recording portion.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the bail also can be used in cooperation witha holding abutment 169 for capturing the film unit in a final positionextending from the apparatus after the entire film unit has passedbetween the rollers. In such case, the film unit can be retrieved at anydesired time by merely pulling it from between the bail and theabutment.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-16, the resilient coupling means 127 includesa bent cam follower 176 that is lightly and resiliently urged towardsthe rotational axis 177 for riding on cams 147 and 149. When the camsare rotated in the counterclockwise direction depicted in FIGS. 13-15,and as will be effected by pulling on the lanyard, the follower 176rides on the cam 147 until it reaches the point 11" between the cams. Atthat point, the lower edge of the follower (i.e., the edge closest tothe rotational axis) enters the path c" and directs the follower betweenthe cams to resiliently urge the folding bail toward its second orraised position. The cams then continue to rotate until the followerexits from path at point "1)" and the bail is urged back toward itsoriginal or lowered position. However, the actual return of the bail maybe delayed by engagement with the film unit as illustrated in FIGS. and11.

Upon releasing the lanyard, the cams are rotated in a clockwisedirection by spring 135, as depicted in FIG.

16. When rotated in that direction, however, the follower 176 does notfollow the path c, because the angular orientation of the followercauses it to ride up over the cam 149 at point Thus, the lanyard can bereleased without releasing the film unit from the captured positiondepicted in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 13-16 also illustrate an antireversing mecha nism comprising thegear and pawl 146. The pawl is pivotally mounted at 197, but is urgedtoward a straight position extending toward axis 177 by a spring 199.When the lanyard is in either of its fully retracted and fully extendedpositions, a cut-out or discontinuity in the teeth of control gear 145is aligned with the pawl and permits its pivoting in either direction.However, once the gear is rotated by pulling on or releasing thelanyard, the pawl is pivoted as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16, and thedirection of rotation of the control mechanism cannot be reversed untilthe gear completes one complete revolution where the cut-out 195 againis aligned with the pawl.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tothe preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

I claim:

1. Photographic apparatus adapted to initiate processing of aself-processing film unit, the film unit including an image-recordingsection of the preregistered integral type having an end portion and asubstantially planar surface, the film unit further including meanscoupled to the end portion of the image-recording section for containinga processing fluid, said apparatus comprising:

means engageable with the containing means for effecting application ofthe processing fluid to the image-recording section; and

means, engageable with the containing means after the application of theprocessing fluid to the imagerecording section has been effected, formoving the containing means into contact with the planar surface of theimage-recording section.

2. A photographic camera adapted to effect an exposure and to initiateprocessing of a self-processing film unit, the film unit including animage-recording section having an image portion for recording aprocessable la tent image and a border portion adjacent to the imageportion, a supply section having a processing fluid applicable to theimage-recording section for processing the latent image, and meanscoupling the supply section to the border portion of the image-recordingsection, said camera comprising:

means for effecting the exposure;

juxtaposed pressure-applying members, engageable with the supply sectionafter the exposure has been effected, for initiating the processing byeffecting application of the processing fluid to the imagerecordingsection; and

means, engageable with the supply section after the application of theprocessing fluid to the imagerecording section has been effected, formoving the supply section into contactwith the image portion of theimage-recording section.

3. A processing camera adapted to effect an exposure of, and to initiateprocessing of, a self-processing film unit, the film unit includingfirst and second relatively foldable sections, said camera comprising:

means for receiving the film unit in a position suitable for theexposure;

a film transporting mechanism including means for moving the film unitfrom its exposure position along an exit path to a position accessiblefrom outside said camera; and

a folding mechanism including means, engageable with the first film unitsection and movable from a first position at one side of said path to asecond position at a side of said path opposite to said one side, formoving the first film unit section out of said path to fold the firstfilm unit section relative to the second film unit section as the filmunit is transported along said path by said moving means.

4. A processing camera as claimed in claim 3 further comprising meanscooperable with said folding mechanism and engageable with the film unitfor holding the film unit in its accessible position after the firstfilm unit section has been folded relative to the second film unitsection.

5. Photographic apparatus for use with a film unit including a pair ofrelatively stiff planar sections, the planar sections of the film unitbeing slidably movable and foldable relative to each other, saidapparatus comprising:

means for receiving the film unit with the planar sections insubstantially superposed relationship to each other;

means for transporting the film unit from the receiving means along anexit path first by sliding one planar section relative to and intocoplanar relationship with the other planar section and then byeffecting movement of both planar sections in unison; and

means movable across said exit path during said movement of both planarsections in unison or folding the one planar section relative to andinto superposed relationship with the other planar section. 6. Ahandling mechanism for use with a selfprocessing film unit includingfirst and second relatively foldable sections defining lateral edges,said mechanism comprising:

means for effecting movement of the film unit with its first and secondsections in substantially coplanar relationship along a predeterminedpath; and

means movable across said path during said movement of the film unit forfolding the first film unit section into superposition with the secondfilm unit section, said folding means including means for aligning thelateral edges of the film unit sections as the first section is foldedinto superposition with the second section.

7. Photographic apparatus for handling a flexible self-processing filmunit, said apparatus comprising:

a housing;

means for effecting movement of the film unit along an exit path from afirst location within said housing to a second location at leastpartially without said housing;

a member engageable with the film unit and movable from a first positionon one side of said path to a second position on another side of saidpath opposite to said first side;

means for moving said member from said first position to said secondposition in coordination with and during said movement of the film unitalong said path; and

means adjacent to said first position of said member and cooperable withsaid member for retaining the film unit in said second location.

i i i

1. Photographic apparatus adapted to initiate processing of aself-processing film unit, the film unit including an imagerecordingsection of the preregistered integral type having an end portion and asubstantially planar surface, the film unit further including meanscoupled to the end portion of the imagerecording section for containinga processing fluid, said apparatus comprising: means engageable with thecontaining means for effecting application of the processing fluid tothe image-recording section; and means, engageable with the containingmeans after the application of the processing fluid to theimage-recording section has been effected, for moving the containingmeans into contact with the planar surface of the image-recordingsection.
 2. A photographic camera adapted to effect an exposure and toinitiate processing of a self-processing film unit, the film unitincluding an image-recording section having an image portion forrecording a processable latent image and a border portion adjacent tothe image portion, a supply section having a processing fluid applicableto the image-recording section for processing the latent image, andmeans coupling the supply section to the border portion of theimage-recording section, said camera comprising: means for effecting theexposure; juxtaposed pressure-applying members, engageable with thesupply section after the exposure has been effected, for initiating theprocessing by effecting application of the processing fluid to theimage-recording section; and means, engageable with the supply sectionafter the application of the processing fluid to the image-recordingsection has been effected, for moving the supply section into contactwith the image portion of the image-recording section.
 3. A processingcamera adapted to effect an exposure of, and to initiate processing of,a self-processing film unit, the film unit including first and secondrelatively foldable sections, said camera comprising: means forreceiving the film unit in a position suitable for the exposure; a filmtransporting mechanism including means for moving the film unit from itsexposure position along an exit path to a position accessible fromoutside said camera; and a folding mechanism including means, engageablewith the first film unit section and movable from a first position atone side of said path to a second position at a side of said pathopposite to said one side, for moving the first film unit section out ofsaid path to fold the first film unit section relative to the secondfilm unit section as the film unit is transported along said path bysaid moving means.
 4. A processing camera as claimed in claim 3 furthercomprising means cooperable with said folding mechanism and engageablewith the film unit for holding the film unit in its accessible positionafter the first film unit section has been folded relative to the secondfilm unit section.
 5. Photographic apparatus for use with a film unitincluding a pair of relatively stiff planar sections, the planarsections of the film unit being slidably movable and foldable relativeto each other, said apparatus comprising: means for receiving the filmunit with the planar sections in substantially superposed relationshipto each other; means for transporting the film unit from the receivingmeans along an exit path first by sliding one planar section relative toand into coplanar relationship with the other planar section and then byeffecting movement of both planar sections in unison; and means movableacross said exit path during said movement of both planar sections inunison or folding the one planar section relative to and into superposedrelationship with the other planar section.
 6. A handling mechanism foruse with a self-processing film unit including first and secondrelatively foldable sections defining lateral edges, said mechanismcomprising: means for effecting movement of the film unit with its firstand second sections in substantially coplanar relationship along apredetermined path; and means movable across said path during saidmovement of the film unit for folding the first film unit section intosuperposition with the second film unit section, said folding meansincluding means for aligning the lateral edges of the film unit sectionsas the first section is folded into superposition with the secondsection.
 7. Photographic apparatus for handling a flexibleself-processing film unit, said apparatus comprising: a housing; meansfor effecting movement of the film unit along an exit path from a firstlocation within said housing to a second location at least partiallywithout said housing; a member engageable with the film unit and movablefrom a first position on one side of said path to a second position onanother side of said path opposite to said first side; means for movingsaid member from said first position to said second position incoordination with and during said movement of the film unit along saidpath; and means adjacent to said first position of said member andcooperable with said member for retaining the film unit in said secondlocation.